So I've finally hit the 20 hour mark and had a chance to take the pioneer to the hunting lease in Ms. to put her through a tryout. First thing that must be said is that I'm not a mudder, rock climber, or wide open throttle kinda guy....I'm on the conservative side of the isle., so I wasn't after speed, power, nor do I want to see if I can swim the Mississippi River with it. That said, I also want something that will get my kids and I to the hunting location and BACK, hence my choice for a Honda. Previous SxS models I've driven and have experience with are the Polaris 800, Polaris crew, Kawasaki mule, John deer gator (several models), and yamaha rhino. As a state wildlife biologist, I have had experience driving various SxS models over the years in many conditions. This was my money, so I bought what I thought would be best for ME.
Bottom line is this; the 700-4 is everything I need. She's quiet if I want her to be (a LOT quieter than all of the above mentioned models). I'm able to slip in almost unnoticed by wildlife at around 12 mph on flat ground if I'm easy on the throttle. I thought that I may have some issues with her climbing ability on the steeper dirt slopes, especially the washed-out ones. Turned out I was dead wrong. With 4 adult passengers, the 700-4 made it up our steepest washed out roads in 2wd. And as it turned out, I only had to give her about 1/3 throttle.....I was very surprised at the torque, especially reading about how some complained about lack of a lower gear. Actually, the only time I put it in 4wd the entire weekend was to jump a mature downed pine tree that was blocking the road......just to see if I could. I have the RMP skid plates, and the pioneer just slid right over. I did bottom her out on a few washouts in the road, but again, as long as the tires had contact with the dirt, she slid right along on her belly plate. I never have topped her out: my top speed was 36mph on flat ground.....I didn't want to push her before break in was over.
I have the full roof, and it does get loud towards top speed.......wish there was a 4th gear in there so I could cruise at 35 without the rpm........but, I can cruise at 25 pretty comfortable. I added a big sky overhead gun rack.....it held better than I expected with a couple of benjamin pellet rifles in it (kids had to take them). I bought a soft windshield and just rolled it up and tie wrapped it to the roll bar.....I only need one when its raining or cold. It's just too hot most of the year down south for a hard windshield, and the soft ones are only 40 bucks. I added a lightbar and put in a switch panel. If you're considering this.....do it. The difference is amazing.
One complaint Honda; why is this thing so damn tall? If I put bigger tires on her, she wouldn't fit in my 2 car garage! Really? Although......my guns are nice and out of the way above my head...........always a silver lining I suppose.
Hindsight is always 20/20, and a part of me wishes I would have waited for the 1000, but for the price, in my opinion, you simply can't go wrong with this unit. I've driven many different types of sxs......Some are faster, some are more comfortable to ride in, some have more power. Only one thing wrong with all of those others; none are made by Honda.
Bottom line is this; the 700-4 is everything I need. She's quiet if I want her to be (a LOT quieter than all of the above mentioned models). I'm able to slip in almost unnoticed by wildlife at around 12 mph on flat ground if I'm easy on the throttle. I thought that I may have some issues with her climbing ability on the steeper dirt slopes, especially the washed-out ones. Turned out I was dead wrong. With 4 adult passengers, the 700-4 made it up our steepest washed out roads in 2wd. And as it turned out, I only had to give her about 1/3 throttle.....I was very surprised at the torque, especially reading about how some complained about lack of a lower gear. Actually, the only time I put it in 4wd the entire weekend was to jump a mature downed pine tree that was blocking the road......just to see if I could. I have the RMP skid plates, and the pioneer just slid right over. I did bottom her out on a few washouts in the road, but again, as long as the tires had contact with the dirt, she slid right along on her belly plate. I never have topped her out: my top speed was 36mph on flat ground.....I didn't want to push her before break in was over.
I have the full roof, and it does get loud towards top speed.......wish there was a 4th gear in there so I could cruise at 35 without the rpm........but, I can cruise at 25 pretty comfortable. I added a big sky overhead gun rack.....it held better than I expected with a couple of benjamin pellet rifles in it (kids had to take them). I bought a soft windshield and just rolled it up and tie wrapped it to the roll bar.....I only need one when its raining or cold. It's just too hot most of the year down south for a hard windshield, and the soft ones are only 40 bucks. I added a lightbar and put in a switch panel. If you're considering this.....do it. The difference is amazing.
One complaint Honda; why is this thing so damn tall? If I put bigger tires on her, she wouldn't fit in my 2 car garage! Really? Although......my guns are nice and out of the way above my head...........always a silver lining I suppose.
Hindsight is always 20/20, and a part of me wishes I would have waited for the 1000, but for the price, in my opinion, you simply can't go wrong with this unit. I've driven many different types of sxs......Some are faster, some are more comfortable to ride in, some have more power. Only one thing wrong with all of those others; none are made by Honda.
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